Orthotics

Assessment and treatment of patients suffering from musculoskeletal and neurological disorders as well as sports injuries.

Whether you want to walk, run, go back to work or continue with your favorite sport, your orthosis will need to be customized to meet your specific needs. At Anderson Orthopedics we strive to help each patient attain their personal goals.

Each persons’ limb is different and requires special care to create a comfortable orthosis. Indicators for orthotics may arise from a disease process, traumatic injury or be congenital in nature. We use up to date technology and techniques to make the best orthosis possible so that we can help optimize your function.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is 100% Manitoba Health Coverage for approved diagnoses for Manitoba residents with the exception of foot orthotics and orthoses (i.e. knee braces) that are used solely for sports.

What is involved in the casting process?

After your physician writes the prescription for your orthosis, you will then see your Orthotist. Bring shorts if you require a foot, ankle, knee or hip assessment. Wear comfortable loose fitting clothing for all other assessment.

The procedure is done at one of our clinics, in hospital or at your personal care home. The Orthotist will evaluate you and will take a set of measurements, trace and/or cast your foot/feet, extremity or torso. If a cast is taken, the mold will be filled with plaster and modified by your clinician to ensure proper form. After the cast is dry, the technician will fabricate the orthosis as designed by your Orthotist.

How often will I need to see my orthotist?

After fitting is complete and you are comfortable and functional, yearly visits are recommended. It is important to check the joints and change the Velcro. At such time, the fit of the orthosis will be checked as changes can take place over the year. Everyone is different and changes will happen at different rates. By all means, if you feel discomfort at any time, please see your orthotist.

What can I expect at my fitting?

The fitting will be done at one of our clinics, in hospital or at your personal care home. The physiotherapist at the hospital/personal care home will usually be involved. You will be shown how to don the orthosis. Your function while wearing the orthosis will be assessed. If the orthosis is comfortable and is functional you may start wearing it immediately. In some cases multiple assessments and modifications to the orthosis are necessary.

How long will it last?

Depending on your age, activity level, growth and care of the orthosis, it can last anywhere from several months to several years. MHSC provides coverage for a new orthosis every two years. Functional abilities can change, growth, and change in edema control can all lead to the need for othotic changes. In the case of such changes MHSC will provide coverage before the two year limit, as long as it is stated on the prescription.

Can the orthosis break?

Yes, many things can happen that will require brace repair or replacement. Don’t wait until the brace falls apart. If you notice loose fittings, torn / frayed padding, or odd noises, please make an appointment for a reassessment. Early prevention will reduce the chance of injury.

Links on Orthotics

Patient Links on Orthotics

Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability (ALACD – Manitoba)http://www.ala.ca

Upper Limb Prosthesis

At Anderson Orthopedics we strive to help each amputee attain their personal goals. Each prosthesis is custom made to meet your goals. We spend great care in making your prosthesis able to ensure optional comfort. We will manufacture and use diagnostic prosthesis in order to make sure that you have the ultimate prosthesis. We use the modern technology and techniques in order to make the best possible prosthesis for you. Restoring your upper limb Arms requires an extensive amount of therapy and training after the fitting of the prosthetic arm.

Lower Limb Prosthesis

At Anderson Orthopedics we strive to help each amputee attain their personal goals. Each prosthesis is individually custom made to meet your goals. We spend great care in making your prosthesis so that it fits comfortably by distributing the forces evenly. We will manufacture and use diagnostic sockets in order to make sure that you have the ultimate prosthesis. We use modern technology and techniques in order to make the best possible prosthesis for you.

Breast Prosthesis

When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, individual reactions may vary. Our clinical staff have a great understanding of the trials and tribulations a cancer patient often endures.

Because of the large range of services provided by Anderson Orthopedics, there is a level of discretion not readily available through most suppliers. We take pride in making women feel comfortable and confident when fitting them with their prosthetic breasts.

Our breast prosthetics are 100% funded through CancerCare Manitoba. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.

Our Brandon practice is currently the only location that dispenses Breast Prosthesis.

Proper Footwear

Common Terminology Used to describe the parts of a running shoe:

The heel counter should be firm. Squeeze it with your thumb and forefinger to make sure it is firm. A firm heel counter will help control the heel and prevent foot fatigue grasp.

Shoes should include lace or velcro closures

The shoe should offer torsion strength. To test this, grasp the shoe at opposite ends and twist the shoe. Shoe flexibility is important. The more flexible, the less stable. A stable shoe bends at the forefront, not in the middle.

Good shoe material includes mesh or full grain leather. It allows for quick break in time and is stiff enough to retain shoe shape. This will protect the foot from the outside environment.

The outer sole on the bottom of the shoe should be such that it provides friction between the foot and the ground.

It is important to be assessed by a knowledgeable shoe fitter prior to your appointment at Anderson Orthopedics to ensure they have measured the proper width, length and depth of your feet.

What to Expect

As one of the leading Orthotic and Prosthetic Clinics in Winnipeg, it is our goal to provide personalized care so that your function can be maximized as quickly and comfortably as possible.

Your success is important to us. Anderson Orthopedics has three orthotists on staff who are certified by the Canadian Board of Certified Prosthetists and Orthotists. We also employ five orthotic technicians that fabricate the orthoses on site.

This may be a new experience for you and so it is important that you know what to expect. We will need you to call our offices to schedule an appointment, as we work on appointments only. We require a physician’s referral but by all means call if you have any questions.

When you come to Anderson Orthopedics for your appointment, please bring the following with you:

Original Prescription

MHSC Card

Other Insurance Cards – i.e., Blue Cross

WCB/MPI Number if Applicable

On your first visit the orthotist looking after you will get to know about your history and expectations. We will assess you and determine an orthotic treatment plan based on your needs and activity level.

After you are assessed, a cast and/or measurements of the affected limb or spine is required. In the case of lower extremity involvement, bring shorts or a gown will be provided for you.

Once we have the shape of your leg, arm, torso, etc. the model is modified. This is a critical process as this allows us to distribute the pressures evenly over the affected limb and move pressures away from sensitive areas. This will maximize comfort. Once the model is complete, the fabrication can take place by our staff of technicians.

Your orthosis may require multiple appointments depending on the complexity of your needs. It is customary for our practice to schedule you for a final assessment appointment once your orthosis is complete, follow-up appointments will be as needed. It is also important to make follow-up appointments with your referring physician so that s/he can monitor your progress and address any potential related issues.

Physiotherapy is an important part of rehab. If you are working with a physiotherapist please continue to do so. They will teach you how to strengthen and maintain range of motion to help you achieve your optimal function.

Follow-up appointments should be considered to check the orthoses mechanical joint function or to simply change the straps. Your limb may change in some shape or functional ability and these changes need to be monitored.

Who We Are

Susan Riediger, CO(c)

Before entering the orthotics/prosthetics program, Susan received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo.

Susan became certified as an Orthotist by the Canadian Board of Certified Prosthetists and Orthotists in 1988. After certification, Susan received her Masters in Rehabilitation Medicine from the University of Manitoba in 1998.

Since entering the field of Orthotics, Susan has served on the Canadian Board of Certified Prosthetists as Ethics Chair. She was selected to join the Board of Directors and served as Secretary Treasurer for five years. She also served in the capacity of orthotic examiner for the certificate programs.

Prior to coming to Anderson Orthopedics, Susan practiced at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. She is dedicated to providing the highest level of orthotic care.

John Furtado, CO(c)

John received his education in orthotics in the Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation at Northwestern University in Chicago.

John became certified as an Orthotist by the Canadian Board of Certified Prosthetists and Orthotists in 1981.

John brings a wealth of knowledge to the practice with his experience attained as Director of Prosthetic and Orthotic Services at Deer Lodge Centre and Director of Orthotics at Rehabilitation Centre for Children.

Since entering the field of orthotics, John has served as Vice-President of MOPA, President of MOPA and with the CAPO Board of Directors.

David Holder, CO(c)

Before entering the orthotics/prosthetics program, David received his Bachelor of Physical Education at McMaster University.

David became certified as an Orthotist by the Canadian Board of Certified Prosthetists and Orthotists in 2002. He has a strong academic background and is dedicated to improving the care provided to patients.

Since entering the field of orthotics, David has served as the Secretary-Treasurer of CAPO.

William Hadi, CO(c)

William became certified as an Orthotist by the Canadian Board of Certified Prosthetists and Orthotists in 2014. He graduated with honors from the Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics program at George Brown College in May of 2012. Prior to that, he earned a Bachelor degree in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary, majoring in Biomechanics. He has a great interest in prosthetic and orthotic treatment in developing nations, having recently returned from a volunteer effort in Haiti.